Monday, April 12, 2010

Nepal, the home of deities and demons, famous for its snowy Himalayas, the legendary Gurkhas is a mystic country as the Shangri-La of the East. It is a country of amazing extremes and the home of the world's highest mountains, historic cities and the forested plains, rich in natural cultural landscape as if they have carved out for themselves to lead to the world's highest Mount Everest.

Nepal occupying only 0.1% of the total landmass of the earth is the home to 2% of the flowering plants of the world, 8% of the world's population of birds, 4% of the mammals on Earth, 600 indigenous plant families, 319 species of exotic orchids and 11 of the world's 15 families of butterflies.

"Volunteer & Explore Nepal (VEX Nepal)" is a not-for-profit and non-governmental organization working in the field of Education, Health, Women Empowerment and Gender Issues, Children’s Rights, Environment, Ecology, Sustainable Agriculture, Community Development, Sustainable Development and Livelihoods through mobilizing volunteers. It aims to provide the interested volunteers immense opportunities to explore multi-aspects of Nepal, i.e. culture, geography, history, economy, society, environment, natural resources, flora and fauna, ecology, organic and sustainable agriculture, way of living particularly rural and so on through volunteering. We do believe that the only way to learn and understand any society and culture is through the deep exploration and immersion into these things. Volunteering is a two-way approach and contribution for the better understanding, harmony and mutual assistance and benefits. VEX Nepal is committed to provide sound platforms to the interested people to utilize their expertise in various fields and make significant contribution to the Nepalese communities. Simultaneously, volunteers are expected to gain broader perspectives on several issues through first-hand involvement and contribution. So far, we have served the interests of more than one hundred volunteers from various countries.

VEX Nepal plans to collaborate the efforts with university students, adult groups, school groups, professional organizations and individuals from all over the world to create and run custom-made programs for cultural visits, service projects, voluntary work and internship work in Nepal, developing inventive itineraries in collaboration with these groups and individuals to meet their specific needs, goals and interests.

Volunteer and Explore Nepal offers the most affordable and exciting travel and volunteering programs in Nepal for the betterment of local communities in need and to enrich the lives of travelers around the globe. Its unique and innovative ways of working make it a highly competitive and popular travel and volunteer placement in Nepal, providing a truly satisfying and fulfilling experience for all travelers.

Our volunteer programs include both short term, 1 week to long term 5 months. We however, highlighted the "Travel and Volunteer Packages" for 2 to 8 weeks to suit your travel plan.

English as a universal language has been increasingly essential in coping with the competent world. We tend to improve English learning and speaking skills of our people through mobilization of our volunteers in different resource centers to teach children and youth the basics in English. We plan to set up resource centers in the small communities of the rural areas to provide youths and children the opportunity to improve their English language. We would like volunteers to teach English in an interactive way involving dancing, singing, presentations etc to keep up the spirit of people. Besides teaching English, we ensure the volunteers that they will be getting opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture and customs of the village communities of Nepal.

Environment Awareness:

Conducted at a very basic level, these programs include dealing with the people and introducing them concepts and creative activities of environmental awareness and personal hygiene. Environmental awareness has been a matter of big issue in Nepal, the government not being able to manage the wastages properly. We expect you to involve you in activities, as informing people the advantages of sanitation, the ways to maintain it (usage of dust bins, methods of waste disposal, minimal use of plastics) and teaching them some basic techniques. Examples include planting trees, recycling programs, making of smoke free stoves, using alternate source of energy to wood as biogas.......

Primary Health Care Support:

VEX Nepal is seeking personnel practicing in the health care field as doctors, nurses, medical and nursing students with clinical experience, for volunteer work providing basic health care to impoverished rural populations, elderly population and orphan children in Nepal. We advise you to make a group of 5-10 participants and if possible to bring materials, as first aid kit, medical books, instruments. Besides, volunteers will be teaching them basic procedures in coping with the diseases as teaching them the proper way to use oral dehydration solutions, precautions to be taken during disease phase, proper use of medication and so on.

Homestay & Cultural Exchange:

Home stays and cultural exchange programs is a fantastic way to get more out of a trip to Nepal and can be arranged in most areas of Nepal with our 30 Host families. Participants will be placed with a Nepali family in a small rural village for the duration of their stay. This provides the volunteers with an excellent opportunity to immerse themselves in the depth of all aspects of Nepali culture, lifestyle, language, food and people. Volunteers should remember that this is a cultural exchange and that an effort to offer some knowledge of their own home culture and customs to the family with whom they stay is appreciated.

During their stay, volunteers will attend daily language lessons in the morning and in the afternoon. They will also have the opportunity to visit and help out at the local school. Home stay programs are best organized from August to December which is the time when most large local festivals take place. This makes for an overall more exciting experience for the volunteer. Nepali culture is distinctively friendly and open and participants are made to feel as though they are part of the family. VEX Nepal local co-coordinator will be on hand to help the volunteers.

Women Empowerment:

Working toward women's empowerment enables you to support women in their pursuit for healthy and sustainable livelihoods. Women's groups provide a forum for issues such as family health, women's rights, and access to resources, income generation, and other challenges women face in their daily lives. Volunteers have the opportunity to exchange ideas, collaborate in ongoing projects, teach basic English skills, help with small businesses, and be a positive role model. You can also provide support in many other ways, depending on your skills and interests and the needs of the local community. So, Inside-Nepal invites all interested national and international volunteers to be a part of our women development programs. Your small effort can make a big difference to the women in the most marginalized communities.

Orphanage Support:

For orphaned children one of the most beneficial things for them is to be able to have access to Education. As it will provide more opportunities for them in the future once they have to make their own way in the world. Resources are often scarce so if they have access to a teacher it will be a great advantage to them. Depending on your own expertise and interests, though, you can also teach drawing, songs, music, dance, cooking, or any number of activities, and generally just spend quality time with the children.

Some orphanages can provide accommodation for volunteers; alternatively you can stay with a local host family and work at the orphanage during the day/evening. Your duties will include many things, basically taking care of the needs of the children, teaching them, helping with cooking, getting them ready for school. Consequently it is can be challenging but also one of the most rewarding experiences you can have, as you are improving the lives of the children.

Most orphanages also welcome assistance from Volunteers for the organizations themselves. This involves working with staff to develop marketing, fundraising, and program strategies for the orphanage.

Monastery Experience:

Volunteers of VEX Nepal will be primarily working at the monasteries as English instructors as well as they would be supporting the extra activities of the kids at monastery as sports, drawing and singing competitions, creative activities and so on. We would like our volunteers to make them aware of the world outside the monastery and teach them how to deal outside as well.

Sustainable & Ecological Farming:

As a volunteer with Sustainable & Ecological Farming Program, you will gain hands-on experience helping the farmers, students and local communities to cultivate and harvest organic crops, vegetables, fruits, herbs through sustainable farming methods. If you are new to organic and ecological farming, then you can learn from the host and local farmers. We have several vibrant farms where a variety of vegetables, crops, fruits and herbs now thrive within the Kathmandu Valley, Chitwan and Pokhara.

VEX Nepal has worked with universities and colleges, organizations, clubs, church groups, youth groups and individuals. You do not need any specialized training to work with us. We will provide you with appropriate training for your program, although experience in teaching, health work or environmental project can be advantage.

When should I arrive in Nepal?

We are very flexible and as such you can arrive at a date which is best suited to your needs. You are welcome to arrive a few days earlier than the start of your program. Our representative will meet you at the airport holding a sign with your name. S/he will take you to the hotel. We can arrange your accommodation if you arrive a couple of days earlier, but you will need to pay the costs for the extra time yourself, and for any non-VEX Nepal activities. In some cases, the dates of your program can be adapted if you contact us.

Do I meet any VEX Nepal staff at the airport?

Yes, one of our representatives will meet you at the airport to pick you up holding a sign with your name.

Where will I be staying during my training period?

During your training period, you will be in Guest House in Thamel, Kathmandu.

Where will I be placed?

After we receive your flight confirmation we will find suitable placement for you.

Nepal is the land of Buddha. A couple of years ago it was one of the most peaceful places on the earth but these days because of political unbalance crime is increasing and there is some violence but, unlike many developing countries, Nepal is quite safe. Every year thousands of tourist visit Nepal. These days the situation is getting better.

What's the weather like in the placement areas?

Nepal's climate is seasonally changeable and different in different regions. Geographically Nepal is divided into three parts. The mountain region of Nepal is very cold in winter while the mid-hill region (Kathmandu and Pokhara) and mid-terai region (Chitwan) have different climate in different seasons. The weather is cold from December to March, humid and quite hot in the summer. The spring and fall are cool and pleasant. Please bring your winter clothes if you are coming in November, December, January, February and summer clothes for the rest of the months. We advise female volunteers not to wear short skirts in villages, and male volunteers not to wear shorts. It is traditional for Nepali people dress modestly and for girls to cover most of their body.

Emergency contact:

In case you miss our representative at the airport or if your flight schedule changes suddenly, please give us a call on 977 1 4701657, 977 9849112196 0r 977 9851098167

Muktinath Trek with Volunteers

Muktinath Temple

Poon Hill

Amazing Rupse Chaharaa

Joyful rest after the steep climb

Chinese Dinner after the Trek

Shanker Man Shrestha Director

Mr. Shrestha is a graduate of Business Management from Tribhuwan University, Nepal. His sincere dedication and keen interest in Social Work and Volunteerism led him to become the founder director of Vex Nepal. He has gained several years of working experiences with other voluntary organizations. Besides, he loves traveling and exploring new places and often goes for trekking, hiking and rafting. Mr. Shrestha is a very kind, social, honest person and enjoys working in the team. He is always ready to help the volunteers and keep in touch with them throughout their program and even after that. He has traveled various countries like Germany, France, Belgium, Holland, Austria, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and several Asian countries like Thailand, India and Bangladesh. He has a good command of foreign languages like English, German and Swedish.

Padma Palikhe Shrestha Program Coordinator

Mrs. Padma is a graduate of Management from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. Before joining Vex Nepal, she had been involved in teaching profession in community school over a decade. She possesses sound knowledge of teaching techniques and skills and provides Nepali language classes for foreign volunteers. She has participated in many workshops and trainings organized by District Education Board. She is very frank, honest and lively and create quite friendly environment to the volunteers during their stay in Nepal. She loves children a lot and takes good care of the orphans and handicapped children.

Volunteers' Feedback

Going to Nepal with VEX Nepal was the most rewarding experience of my life so far. VEX Nepal is very supportive and offered up a great “Volunteering and Exploring Nepal Package”, which is quite comprehensive, at a very affordable price. The best parts of my travels was not only watching one-horned rhinos just 10 feet away, trekking amazing Annapurna Conservation Area, rafting on Trishuli River but also volunteering at the Orphanage Centre in Pokhara. The children are beautiful gems, both inside and out. Their smiles and laughs can light up any room and leave a stamp on your heart that will never go away. I think this is a perfect opportunity to get out and help a group of people who have been through so much, and to live in a very different environment. I have a much greater understanding of orphan children, and an appreciation of how life lived simply can be just as exciting. I thank VEX Nepal for making it possible for me to go in such a safe and inexpensive manner. I'd do it again in a heartbeat, but next time with my whole family. Roseline Charvin, Phoenix, AZ, USA

I can't begin to explain what a tremendous experience it was. I would definitely use VEX Nepal again. I did a lot of research before I chose the program and VEX Nepal seemed to be the best fit. I always felt like the personnel were being straightforward and honest with me. Teaching English in Nepal was such a worthwhile experience, not only for me but for the kids I taught as well. The impact you make on the school is something that benefits the children massively, allowing them to experience fun and a different method of teaching. Volunteering is a great way to see and explore the world, whilst benefiting others. Jessica Smith, Vancouver, CANADA

I gained an incredible amount of professional experience through my volunteer work with VEX Nepal; for example, I learned how to effectively network and lobbying for a social cause, how to set up and conduct a successful interview, and how to assess a campaign which has been simultaneously launched in numerous locations for an extended period of time. The environment that I worked in was dedicated and encouraging; I was treated as a professional, a friend, and a colleague working toward improving social equity and advocating for women rights and was wholeheartedly welcomed to the VEX Nepal team. I also underwent extreme personal growth throughout the enculturation process of living in another country, overcoming language barriers and traveling alone to and from Nepal. It was an experience that has been unparalleled in my life and has significantly inspired me continue traveling, learning and volunteering my time toward a greater social justice. Elva Mattson, Malmo, Sweden

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